Method of and apparatus for reducing the heat load on a greenhouse
US5392611A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 1990 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P60/14
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for controlling the condition of air in an enclosure, such as a greenhouse, containing growing plants involves reducing the heat load on the enclosure by reducing the rate of convective heat flow of air across the canopy of the plants. This is achieved by heating and dehumidifying the air in the greenhouse during periods of low light levels such as at night in a manner that minimizes ventilation for controlling humidity. Apparatus is also provided for controlling the condition of air in an enclosure using an air-brine-vapor direct contact heat exchanger. Regeneration of the brine from the heat exchanger can be achieved by heating the brine using heated air from the enclosure or hot flue gases such that latent heat and/or sensible heat contained in the air, gases, and/or vapor exiting the regenerator can be transferred to the sir in the enclosure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.